First CSD in Albstadt: Rainbow, right-wing extremists – and lots of police

200 participants were registered for the protest by private individuals from the environment of the right-wing extremist party “Die Heimat” and the identitarian “Zollernalbjugend aktiv”, but more had been expected due to the high reach on social media. The NPD successor party “Die Heimat” had advertised the demonstration nationwide on its channels. Memories of the CSD in Bautzen, Saxony, which began in mid-August only under massive police protection, were awakened.

“A CSD in rural areas is important – I didn’t have that when I came out”

In the end, however, the colorful people clearly outnumbered the CSD opponents, who were dressed in black and partly masked: the police reported around 400 CSD participants on Friday evening, compared to around 50 counter-demonstrators. As expected, Antifa also marched through the city, albeit unannounced. Keeping the various groups at a distance was a problem for the police at times. But overall, the evening was positive, with no major incidents.

“We felt very safe and never had the feeling that the square was about to be stormed,” says Tobi, who lives in Albstadt and is flying the flag today in a rainbow outfit. “I am the happiest person that there is now a CSD here too, that is important in rural areas.” “I didn’t have that feeling when I came out as a teenager,” says the 29-year-old.

Klaus (64): “People need to become more tolerant again”

A few meters away stands Peter, 72 years old. He is holding up a rainbow-colored poster with the words “Fck Nzs. Not a millimeter to the right.” He says he is here for his grandson today. “So that the brown violence does not get out of hand and he can live in peace,” says the 72-year-old. Peter has started talking to Klaus, 64 years old, in a leopard skirt and high heels. He says: “I’ve waited ages for this event, I can’t show myself anywhere else in this outfit.” Nobody is hurting anyone – and as he has gotten older he has noticed that he likes painting his nails and wearing skirts. “People need to become more tolerant again and respect everyone else for who they are,” demands Klaus.

But they don’t want to hear any of that at the counter demonstration a few hundred meters away: “Think of our children,” a man shouts into a megaphone. The falling birth rate worries him greatly. “We don’t want to reproduce anymore because it’s always just about the fetish.” People are welcome to live out their abilities in private, but please not in public, he demands and shouts: “Against the CSD, Albstadt is leading the way.” The crowd responds: “Here and there and in every place.”

Back at the CSD: Meanwhile, the last speaker is at the microphone and advises the participants: “Please leave the area in groups, take care of yourselves.” Those who still remain continue to celebrate. The song “Forever Spring” by Soffie comes from the loudspeakers. The lyrics are about a wishful thinking about how society could live together in a more peaceful way.